Automatic identification of medical staff training needs

Abstract

Data representative of operation of biomedical equipment in a medical facility is collected and stored in a centralized database. The information may be collected manually during the life of the equipment, or automatically by connection to the equipment. The data references equipment types, manufacturer, departments, locations, and other relevant information for the equipment. Based upon the collected and stored information, parameters representative of possible training needs is analyzed and reported. The parameters may include error, breakdowns, and the like. Detailed reports delivered to the medical institution may thus provide a basis for planning training to enhance performance and utilization of the equipment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to the field of medical institutions and services. More particularly, the invention relates to a technique for automatically identifying potential service personnel training needs, and for reporting such needs for planning and evaluation purposesBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Modern medical diagnostic facilities include a wide range of equipment, systems, and techniques which evolve on a continual and sometimes rapid basis. Human resources, including physicians, technicians, clinicians, nurses, and support personnel are often challenged by the advances in the field, and by the range of improvements which, if properly utilized, can dramatically enhance the quality of care provided to patients. By way of example, imaging systems and patient monitoring equipment now offer extremely powerful tools for the detection and diagnosis of disease and physical ailments which can be addressed extremely effectively if properly ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The invention provides a technique for identifying training needs and reporting such needs designed to respond to the drawbacks in conventional approaches. The technique may be employed in a wide range of institutions, but is particularly well suited to integrated institutions employing various system types, procedures, and over a range of departments, sites, and so forth. Moreover, the technique may be employed with existing hospital information systems (HIS) as well as with newly-installed or upgraded information systems. The technique is particularly powerful when employed over a group of individuals, equipment, departments, sites, and facilities, allowing for training on levels varying from individual care providers to entire departments or groups of care providers.

[0006]The technique may be based upon data collected in manual or automated procedures. For example, asset utilization data reflecting problems in asset use may be collected and analyzed so as to identify particular problem areas where the use of the assets may not be fully understood or exploited. Where failure, error, or problem logs are maintained on individual assets, either manually or automatically, such logs may be accessed and analyzed to determine whether procedures are being carried out effectively and efficiently, or conversely, where additional training and support may be in order. Where the data is accessed and evaluated on a more comprehensive basis, such as by department, site, or some other logical grouping, training needs may be determined by similar groupings, allowing for scheduling in a more efficient and comprehensive manner.

Problems solved by technology

Human resources, including physicians, technicians, clinicians, nurses, and support personnel are often challenged by the advances in the field, and by the range of improvements which, if properly utilized, can dramatically enhance the quality of care provided to patients.

Ongoing improvements in equipment and procedures, however, place increasing demands on the facility personnel in terms of knowledge and experience.

Training and utilization guides and materials may not provide a completely adequate basis for particular needs, and vary greatly in their quality and utility.

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